Ask the Experts

Garden City Hospital is here to help. Now you can browse, search and view answers to frequently asked health questions. Have a personal health question you need answered? We can do that too! Simply submit your question and we will get it to the appropriate GCH health expert for an answer.

Ask the Experts is for general information purposes only. It should never be thought of as medical advice or treatment, nor should it be used in place of a thorough medical screening or an exam by a licensed medical professional. Medical advice should be sought from an emergency room, urgent care center, or licensed medical professional. If you need help finding a physician, use our online physician directory to locate a Garden City Hospital Health Expert that’s right for you.

Check the Sunday issue or your local O&E for more answers from the GCH Health Experts.

Note: Questions are selected both randomly and based on relevance or frequency. Not all submitted questions will be answered. Answers will be posted on GCH.org and not supplied directly to the submitter. To maintain personal privacy, we do not require any personal information be given to submit questions.

Q

I feel like I’ve had a persistent cold for weeks and I’m wondering if I may be developing allergies. I’m 35 years old. Is this possible? How can I tell the difference between a cold and allergies?

A

It is possible to develop allergies at any age. In fact, because repeated exposure to substances can prompt an allergic reaction, you are more likely to develop allergies as you get older. Sp... read more

It is possible to develop allergies at any age. In fact, because repeated exposure to substances can prompt an allergic reaction, you are more likely to develop allergies as you get older. Spring is an especially active time for allergies. As temperatures rise, plants and trees release pollen into the air wreaking havoc on people who suffer from plant allergies, also known as hay fever. Below are a few ways to determine if your sniffling might be caused by seasonal allergies.

Symptoms kicked in fast; a cold will take days.

Symptoms last longer than a week.

You don’t have fever or body aches.

Your nose is runny and clear; mucus caused by a cold will be yellow.

If you have allergies, you can alleviate the symptoms by staying indoors during times when pollen counts are highest, usually early and late in the day. You can also help to prevent allergy symptoms by keeping your windows closed and avoiding outdoor chores, such as mowing the lawn. If you must do yard work, wear a mask that filters pollen, and try using an over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medication.